Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 859 | 22 November 2024

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: Independent Sentencing Review’s call for evidence

Read our latest blog post on our plans for responding to the Independent Sentencing Review’s call for evidence. On 14 November 2024, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) opened a call for evidence as part of the Independent Sentencing Review, which aims to assess and recommend improvements to sentencing practices across England and Wales. The call invites input from stakeholders across the justice sector. Today, we have launched a survey, open until 9 December, and we’ll be holding focus groups on a range of topics over the next couple of weeks.  

CLINKS NEWS: The future of Probation for women

In our recent blog post the future of probation services for women we explore some of the key insights, challenges, and recommendations discussed by specialist women’s organisations at Clinks' November Women's Network Forum.

Women in contact with the criminal justice system face unique challenges and providing them with effective support requires a gender-specific, trauma-informed, holistic approach. Our Women’s Network gathered to discuss current probation arrangements, the challenges faced, and opportunities for the future – with an eye on the Government’s proposed strategic review of probation governance. Read the blog here

CLINKS NEWS: State of the Sector 2024 - focus groups

Thank you to those who have already expressed an interest in participating in this year’s research. We have final places available to attend online focus groups! Clinks and the team from the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) want to understand how the work, needs and vison of voluntary organisations working across the criminal justice sector have been shaped and changed by the last few years.

All voices are welcome, however, racially minoritised led by and for organisations are currently underrepresented in our list of organisations that have so far declared an interest in this year’s research. We would love to connect with you and/or someone from your organisation, to speak about your experiences and perspectives of the last five years. Express your interest here

MEMBER FOCUS: Atrium Clinic CIC

Atrium are a professional Centre of Excellence delivering a range of high quality, therapeutic interventions to anyone with personal and psychological problems within the public (NHS), private and community sectors. They work with a wide range of individuals and organisations across the social spectrum, both at a local and community level, and national statutory bodies such as the NHS and Criminal Justice sectors.

Atrium work with some of the most excluded people in our communities and their expertise and ‘can-do’ approach means they are able to offer bespoke wellbeing solutions that are value for money.

The focus is upon long-term recovery and producing effective treatment outcomes in relation to sustained change and improvement, based on evidence based interventions i.e. the most effective, safe and cost effective approaches that have been validated by documented scientific evidence. Find out more about Atrium Clinc CIC

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Spark Inside’s innovative Black Hero’s Journey life coaching programme in prison report. 

Clinks member Spark Inside have been very inspired by this year’s Black History Month theme of ​‘reclaiming narratives’ and their report shares powerful stories of identity, affirmation, resilience and transformation from young Black men in prison, which often go unheard. This report presents the findings of an audit of Black Hero’s Journey, a co-designed programme offering an impactful and culturally sensitive approach to rehabilitation. The programme is delivered by Black professional life coaches and fosters a ​‘safe space’ for young Black men to engage with and explore their own identity. Read the full report online.

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Help to shape SherlockAI and support women

SherlockAI is a free, not-for-profit, tool to support women in Wales engaged with the criminal justice system. Accessible via smartphone or computer, SherlockAI aims to provide practical guidance, emotional support, and help to navigate services—acting like a supportive friend who truly understands.

To ensure SherlockAI meets the needs of the women it’s designed for, feedback is being gathered via a short survey. your views — whether you work with women in the justice system, support ex-offenders, or have lived experience yourself, can help to shape this groundbreaking tool, making it something that truly helps. Please complete the survey and share it widely. Thank you for your support in making a difference!

CLINKS MEMBER'S EVENT: Catch 22 conference 2024

Clinks Head of Influence and Communications, Sam Julius, will be speaking on the topic of "Reform and Influencing: How can the Voluntary Sector Drive Change?" at this year’s Catch 22 conference: "The Role of the Third Sector in the Criminal Justice System" [27 November, London, free]. This event will explore the vital contributions of third sector organisations in delivering an effective justice system. Through keynotes, seminars, and networking opportunities, attendees will engage with the challenges, innovations, and future collaborations needed to improve outcomes for individuals in the criminal justice system. See the full agenda here and join the waiting list here

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Strengthening families through family hubs

Join Samantha, Co-Founder of the Family Hubs Network and Parliamentary Advisor to Lord Farmer, as she explores the vital role of Family Hubs in supporting families and transforming children's outcomes [8 January, 16:00 - 17:15, online, free]. Victoria Baird, Prison Family Services Manager, from Spurgeons will share insights on their Prison Family Hub, which bridges the gap for families affected by imprisonment.

Speakers will examine why family hubs are so vital in overcoming challenges that families face. Register here for this free seminar to learn how these initiatives are making a difference. 

CLINKS MEMBER’S EVENT: Wrongful conviction or sentence? This can help

This free training focuses on magistrate court cases, and is open to voluntary agencies and charities working within the Criminal Justice System (CJS) and supporting those affected in and out of prison.  

The hour long training session will also help you build awareness of how we investigate and refer potential miscarriages of justice and how you can confidently and effectively signpost to our services. Anyone can apply to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) if they believe they have been wrongly convicted of a criminal offence or wrongly sentenced in a criminal court in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

There are three sessions planned for the new year [23 January; 30 January and 06 February; 11:00, online, free]. If you would like to join the training, please email outreach@ccrc.gov.uk stating which date you would like and a Teams link will be sent to you.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Parliamentary Inquiry into prison governance and staffing

The Justice Committee has launched an inquiry into prison culture, governance, leadership, and staffing. This investigation will assess the current challenges within prisons, including recruitment and retention of staff, and their impact on safety and rehabilitation. The inquiry will also explore the effectiveness of leadership structures and governance in addressing these issues.

Organisations and individuals are encouraged to submit evidence to inform the inquiry, helping to shape future recommendations for improving prison culture and operational effectiveness. Find out more and submit evidence

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Education, skills, work, and peer mentoring in men's prisons

A new report published by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons explores education, skills, work, and peer mentoring in men's prisons. The findings highlight the importance of meaningful activities in improving rehabilitation outcomes, emphasising the role of education and peer mentoring in fostering skill development, reducing reoffending, and preparing individuals for life after release.

The report includes key recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of prison education and work programmes, supporting better outcomes for individuals and the wider community. Read the full report here

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENT: A toolkit for supporting young women in custody

See Beyond is a toolkit by Safer London that provides recommendations, guidance and resources for criminal justice sector professionals and practitioners to support young women who have been exploited into harmful behaviours.

Join in for the launch [4th December, 11:00 - 12:00, online, free] to learn about the toolkit’s development and hear from a Safer London caseworker who will share insights from their work, underscoring the importance of focusing on safeguarding rather than criminalisation. See Beyond is supported by the Barrow Cadbury Trust. Register here

PUBLICATION: Voices from the inside

This academic paper from Coventry Law School is called "Voices from the inside" and it shares the voices and experiences of people in custody. 

This paper reports a testimony about life inside our prisons from current and former prisoners from both men's and women's prisons and from their relatives and friends. Liz Bridge, the outspoken former Quaker Chaplain at Wandsworth Prison gives her evidence and views - a powerful read. Read Voices from the inside

FEATURED VACANCY: Fundraising Officer 

Standout is seeking a dynamic individual with excellent attention to detail to join their team as a Fundraising Officer [£28,000-£32,000, Full time, London]. We pride ourselves on being a value-driven organisation, and we’re looking for a like-minded fundraiser to join the team in this new role. This varied position is ideal for someone with an interest in criminal justice who communicates as well in person as they do on paper. You don’t need to have been a fundraiser before, but experience in a similar position – with that mix of relationship building, words and numbers – would be beneficial. The most important thing to us is having shared values and attitudes to work. [Find out more and apply here by 3rd December 2024]. 

FEATURED VACANCY: CEO 

Change for good is seeking an energetic and committed person who can provide creative leadership to advance the mission and objectives of Change for Good at an exciting time of growth for the charity. You will join their team as CEO [£38,000-£42,000, Full time, London]. In this role, you will ensure the effective delivery of Change for Good’s programmes, including in-prison support, through the gate, volunteer mentoring, and our peer support group Next Chapter. You will serve as the ambassador and primary spokesperson for Change for Good, promoting its mission and programmes. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome those who have lived experience of the criminal justice system to apply. [Find out more and apply by 6th December here]. 

FEATURED VACANCY: Director of People    

PACT is seeking a new Director of People to join its Senior Leadership Team to ensure effective and efficient delivery of our goals and our strategic business plan, and to help shape our workplace culture, as we continue to grow and develop [£80,000, Full time, Remote, London]. As Director of People, you will be more than your technical and business skills. You will be a people person too, and a role model and ambassador for Pact’s ethos and values and will take a strategic leadership role in developing and implementing our business plan and people strategy, in alignment with the values of the charity that have been developed over 125 years. [Find out more and apply by 9th December here]. 

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Director of People with Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) [£80,000, hybrid with up to 50% home-based and remainder primarily in London, full time]; Visits Services Play Worker with NEPACS [£22,971, HMP Northumberland, Morpeth, part time]; Night Community Lead with One Small Thing [£30,000 - £32,000, Southampton, full time]; Family Support Lead with One Small Thing [£30,000 - £32,000, Southampton, full time]; Women’s Specialist Trainer Caseworker with St Giles Trust [£23,000, Hull with some regional travel required, part time]; Project Facilitator with Spurgeons [£26,033 - £30,361, Surrey-based working within the community, full time]; Communications and Engagement Manager with Alliance for Youth Justice (AYJ) [£35,000, flexible hybrid working with some London office days and national travel, part time]; Prison Facilitator with Shannon Trust [£27,584, HMP Birmingham, part time]; CEO with Change for Good [£38,000 - £42,000, London, full time]; Communications Intern with Criminal Justice Alliance [£14/hour, remote or London, part time].

For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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